Lab Support Specialist

Parkland Health

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Support Specialist is primarily responsible for the processing of specimens and data entry to ensure the integrity of specimens and to expedite the completion of tests ordered. This role involves receiving various specimens and blood/tissue products, assessing their integrity, verifying labeling and documentation, and accurately processing data entry of orders to ensure proper patient billing. Key duties include checking incoming samples and requisitions, clarifying unclear test orders with patient care providers, and ordering/verifying tests within the Laboratory Information Systems. The specialist is also responsible for labeling samples, preparing and processing specimens for testing/grossing according to lab procedures, following proper storage requirements, and delivering specimens to appropriate work areas. Additionally, the role requires processing specimens for reference laboratory testing, ordering add-ons, and stocking supplies. The specialist will engage in customer service behaviors, interfacing with internal and external customers to provide appropriate information, including access to patient test results. Other tasks include assisting with loading patient specimens on designated instrumentation, performing Point of Care (POC) testing, clocking in requisitions, and triaging specimens by priority. The position emphasizes identifying ways to improve work processes, maintaining knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the laboratory area through continuous learning. Parkland Health, a large public hospital system, focuses on delivering exceptional care and supporting its employees' growth and impact.

Requirements

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of a personal computer and be able to learn and efficiently use required software.
Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, visitors and hospital staff.
Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
Must have clear speech, normal hearing, and good visual acuity.
Must be able to coordinate numerous telephone calls effectively.
Must be able to handle detailed work and maintain a pleasant demeanor while under pressure.
Must be able to use sound judgment when making decisions and solving problems.
Must be able to exhibit good organizational skills and prioritizing abilities.
Must be able to maintain accurate records/logs.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of data entry and customer service in a laboratory environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for receiving specimens/blood and tissue products (components, factors, derivatives, and tissues), assessing specimen/product integrity, verifying labeling and documentation, and processing data entry of orders quickly and correctly to ensure that patients are appropriately billed.
Checks incoming samples and requisitions.
Clarifies unclear test orders on downtime requisitions with patient care providers, in order to ensure proper patient testing.
Orders/verifies requested tests in Laboratory Information Systems computer and verifies sample receipt time and date.
Labels samples with bar code label to ensure that the two identifiers, patient name and medical record number, on the sample matches that on the bar code label.
Prepares/processes specimens for testing/grossing as required by lab procedures.
Follows proper specimen storage requirements.
Delivers specimen to appropriate work area and other labs as needed.
Processes specimens for reference laboratory testing and orders add-ons as needed.
Stocks supplies/blood and tissue products as needed.
Utilizes appropriate follow up skills to customer-service behaviors to interface with other Parkland internal and external customers on the telephone and in person to give out appropriate information.
Provides information to authorized callers regarding access to patient test results.
Assists with loading patient specimen on designated instrumentation and performs POC (Point of Care) testing as required.
Clocks in requisitions, separates by patient and triages by priority according to department protocol.
Handles specimens delivered by couriers, pneumatic tube system, or Parkland staff.
Ensures that accessioned specimens are picked up and/or delivered to the appropriate work area in a timely manner.
Identifies ways to improve work processes and procedures or methods and makes recommendations to supervisor for appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction that support the overall goals of Pathology, the hospital and PHHS.
Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the laboratory area.
Follows internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans.
Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding and reports any unethical or fraudulent behavior.
Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in the Laboratory area by attending in-services and department meetings.
Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
Maintains a clean working environment to ensure maximum safety for all employees.
Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction.
Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure.
Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area.
Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans.
Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.